Galloway's Plan of Union facts for kids
Galloway's Plan of Union was an idea to bring Great Britain and its American colonies closer together. It was suggested by Joseph Galloway, a supporter of the British Crown, during the First Continental Congress in 1774. However, the plan was not accepted. Galloway was a delegate from Pennsylvania who wanted the Thirteen Colonies to remain part of the British Empire.
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Galloway's plan suggested creating a special American colonial parliament. This new parliament would work alongside the Parliament of Great Britain in London. The idea was that this Grand Council in America would need to agree to decisions made by the British Parliament, especially about trade and taxes. This would give the American colonies a way to say "no" or a veto on certain laws.
The Colonial Parliament would have a President-General, chosen by the King. It would also have delegates chosen by the local colonial assemblies for three-year terms. This plan aimed to keep the British Empire united. It would also give the colonies a voice in their own matters, including the hot topic of taxation.
Why the Plan Was Rejected
The Continental Congress did not accept Galloway's plan. At the time, a document called the Suffolk Resolves was introduced. This made the discussions in Congress much more divided. People who wanted more independence quickly gained more power. Galloway's Plan of Union was voted down by a narrow margin of six to five on October 22, 1774.
Similar Ideas: Galloway and Albany Plans
Galloway's plan was quite similar to an earlier idea called the Albany Plan. This plan was proposed by Benjamin Franklin, who was also from Pennsylvania and a friend of Galloway. Franklin suggested the Albany Plan in 1754 at the Albany Congress. His idea was to create a single government for all the Thirteen Colonies. The Albany Plan went beyond just planning defense for the French and Indian War; it aimed for a stronger union.
What Happened Next for Galloway
Even though Joseph Galloway was a moderate voice in the Continental Congress, his Plan of Union was rejected. This rejection, even though his plan would have given the colonies more power, pushed Galloway more towards supporting the British Crown. These supporters were known as Loyalists.
After 1778, Galloway moved to Britain. There, he became a leader for other Loyalists and advised the British government. When Britain finally accepted American independence as part of the Peace of Paris (1783), many Loyalists had to leave America. Galloway then settled permanently in Britain.
